HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - The state Senate has voted to increase Connecticut's minimum wage next year.

The Senate voted 25-11 Monday night in favor of boosting the hourly wage from $7.65 to $8 beginning Jan. 1, 2009, and to $8.25 beginning Jan. 1, 2010.

The bill now moves to Gov. M. Jodi Rell's desk. The Republican governor has expressed concerns about increasing labor costs for small businesses during a difficult economic climate and has not said whether she'll sign the bill into law.

Some Senate Republicans say they worry that a higher wage to lead to fewer jobs.

But supporters say low income workers in Connecticut have been hit hard by the poor economy and need a salary increase. About 65,000 people in Connecticut earn minimum wage.